Champaign, Il - Parkland College Athletics has named Khloe Stear and Believe Avida as the September 2026 Athletes of the Month. Both freshmen have played key parts in the success of their teams, taking on major roles and performing at a high level. Stear and Avida have been recognized for their ability to step up in big situations while staying confident and bringing positive energy to their teams.

Khloe Stear, a Libero and Defensive Specialist from Bartonville, Illinois has been the defensive anchor for Parkland Volleyball. Through 33 games, Stear has recorded 680 digs and 82 assists, finishing the month of September with 438 digs and 55 assists and was named NJCAA Region 24 Player of the Week on September 7^th. Khloe stepped into the Libero role for Parkland Volleyball and has been a key part of the Cobra's success, helping the team to a 31-2 start, winning 21 straight matches and going unbeaten in the month of September. Her highlights include recording a season-high 36 digs and 6 assists against #5 Heartland College on September 2^nd, along with a 32-dig performance at #15 Illinois Central College on the 30^th.

Head coach Cliff Hastings shared his thoughts on the talent and energy that Khloe has brought to Parkland Volleyball:

"Khloe is such a fighter on defense and a joy-filled teammate to watch. She has an incredibly high level of tenacity on the court, and she's fun to watch fly around the court frustrating other team's offenses. But, between points she also shines where she's the first to appreciate her teammates' efforts and gives off such joy and calm confidence in everything she does. Her ceiling is still far ahead of her, but she's already bringing us such a high level of play. We're so grateful to her to be on our side of the net as a Cobra!"
 
Out on the pitch, Freshman Believe Avida has stepped into a major role for Parkland Men's Soccer. The Normal, Illinois native has been a driving force for the Cobras offensively. Starting 11 of 13 games played, Avida has tallied 17 total shots with 9 shots on goal in the month of September.  He has scored 4 goals for the Cobras so far this season, including a season-high 2 goals and 1 assist against Southwestern Illinois on September 22^nd in a game where the Cobras rallied to a 4-3 comeback victory. He also hit the equalizer against South Suburban College on September 4^th to help the Cobras earn a 1-1 draw. Avida's talent and energy have been a big boost for the Cobras in the midst of a challenging stretch of the season against a loaded schedule.

Head Coach Mark Sikora highlighted the impact Believe has made for Parkland Soccer this season:

"Believe has been such a bright spot for our team this year! We knew he would be a strong player but his consistency throughout the season has been a big reason for our success in an extremely difficult part of the season. Talent aside, he's playing like a veteran, one who is willing to sacrifice for the team."
 
Khloe and Believe are two athletes that demonstrate the discipline, leadership and competitive spirit that define Parkland College Athletics.